Happiness : a primer for theological engagement
CITATION: Van der Merwe, I. J. 2015. Happiness : a primer for theological engagement. Stellenbosch Theological Journal, 1(2):291–319, doi:10.17570/stj.2015.v1n1.a15.
The original publication is available at http://ojs.reformedjournals.co.za
Article
This essay discerns themes in the interdisciplinary study of happiness. We distinguish between the concepts of hedonic and eudaimonic happiness, as well as the concepts of well-being and quality of life. We also discuss the role of some determinants of happiness (income, relationships, life phase, geography and religion). We conclude by suggesting points of contact (the flourishing agent, determinants of happiness, anamnesis and eschatology, and the quest for meaning) where theological engagement can significantly clarify and enrich the happiness discourse.